“Representation matters!” This phrase has been plastered across our screens and bellowed from the mouths of politicians, actors, and neighbors alike. This mantra seemed to gain momentum amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic where our nation finally addressed the other epidemic wreaking havoc in our society- systemic racism and misrepresentation of Black faces in the media.

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In the moment what seemed like misfortune for being deprived of the full experience of my senior year of high school and awkward transition into university, turned out to be a rose in the concrete happenstance. Unbeknownst to me it allowed me to discover my purpose in life and how I can use my passion to elevate not only my career endeavors but my community. In the heat of police brutality, the #BLM movement, and violent protests during quarantine I unearthed a burning passion for advocacy leading me to choose my college major as Political Science concentrating in Public Affairs. I knew that if I wanted to see change and dismantle the intricacies of systemic racism and oppression, it would have to begin with policies that are put in place that my people, Black people are ignorant to. I am the oldest child to seven younger siblings as well as the first in my family to attend a full-time university. I essentially wear the badge of honor in my family and aspire to be a positive role model for my siblings. The School of Public Affairs or as us Tigers call it ‘PAB’ welcomed me with open arms my first semester in college and I immediately dove into organizations within the school finding Pre-Law society. After attending several interest meetings and networking with fellow law enthusiasts I decided to run for a position on the E-board as a freshman. I was selected as the 2021-2022 Pre Law Society Information chair where I carried out duties of capturing, creating, and posting content our organization was involved in such as toy drives and LSAT prep workshops. My role as Information Chair further highlighted my individuality giving me the creative freedom to represent Pre-Law Society. Inadvertently, I gained a knack for media and journalism while studying political science and managing the Pre-Law Society social media engagement.

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Subsequently, I realized my devotion to my community through writing and enforcing policies as a future Congresswoman could also be conquered through the media as a Journalist. It was then I realized the advocacy I desire for my community and passion for creativity can conjoin into something greater. Thus, after extensive consideration I changed my major to Journalism concentrating in Public Relations as it is eerily similar to Public Affairs in more ways than one. After making the decision to change my major then having to transition from political science to journalism I became anxious that I did not make the right decision and felt as if I had abandoned my initial dream of being a policy maker. That is when I had a full-circle moment to the phrase “Representation matters!” It was then that it registered that as a journalist I have the power to give a voice to the voiceless-straight from the source that otherwise would not be heard if it were not for capturing the story and broadcasting it to the media. Representation matters is its ability to foster inclusivity and promote empathy among individuals. By providing diverse voices and perspectives, representation enables individuals from different backgrounds to feel included, acknowledged, and valued in society. That is why it is such a “big deal” that my little sisters have a Black Ariel to dress up as and that my little brothers have a Black Spiderman named Miles Morales to imitate.

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As I continue the trek in my college voyage I have come to realize that people underestimate the power of media. Truthfully, without media, there would be no outlet to obtain information because media is not limited to Instagram and Twitter but it is our new channels, magazines, movies, and textbooks. Media has a powerful influence on shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. When representation is diverse and authentic, it allows for the portrayal of multidimensional characters that break away from one-dimensional stereotypes.

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This purpose in mind is why my career objective on my resume is I aspire to invigorate our upcoming generation of Black leaders through positive social engagement and multi-media communications. Because representation matters.

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